My name is Anthony Jones, and I’m 34 years old.
I was raised in a loving home by my mom, and my grandparents who faithfully encouraged me to attend church. As long as I can remember, I was there every week, and I was baptized at a young age. Although I knew about God, I began experimenting with drugs and alcohol at an early age. By sixth grade I was already using substances, and in seventh grade I had my first beer. Before school, I would secretly pour small amounts of different kinds of alcohol from my parents’ liquor cabinet into a Gatorade bottle so they wouldn’t notice.
As I entered high school, my addiction only grew. I began drinking heavily, smoking marijuana, experimenting with pills, and even learned how to make hash, brew beer, and distill my own liquor.
During those years, one verse continually came to mind: “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve both God and money.” — Luke 16:13
Although I knew God’s truth, I made the decision to pursue the things of this world instead. I chose addiction over God.
After graduating from high school, I enrolled at American River College, but I quickly dropped out. I left my family, started using methamphetamine, and immersed myself in a lifestyle of poor decisions and destructive relationships. Eventually, I was arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon and petty theft. I spent 28 days in county jail.
With little else to do, I spent much of my time reading the Bible. Even after my release, I remained lost for another year. Then one day I realized that if I continued living the way I was, my future would look exactly like the people I surrounded myself with. I knew something had to change.
I packed up my dog, went home, and admitted to my family, “I need help. I don’t know what to do anymore, but I want to live again.”
That decision changed everything.
I entered the Adult & Teen Challenge Intake Center in Sacramento. It was both humbling and eye-opening to see how far addiction had turned my life upside down. During that first month, I experienced the truth of Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Although I was only there for a short time, the men around me became brothers.
When I transferred to Faith Home Adult & Teen Challenge, the campus was nearly two hours from home. That distance wasn’t easy, but it was exactly what I needed during that season of my life. Away from old influences, I found a place where I could focus on God, build healthy relationships, and continue growing spiritually.
The program taught me to start each day with purpose—to work hard, serve others, and give God the glory instead of living only for myself.
As I progressed through the program, I was able to use many of the practical skills God had already given me, including woodworking, landscaping, gardening, and general construction. I enjoyed teaching other students the importance of discipline, responsibility, and a strong work ethic.
One verse became especially meaningful to me: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” — Colossians 3:23
This Scripture taught me that excellence isn’t about bringing attention to myself—it’s about honoring God in everything I do.
After graduating, I remained at Faith Home Adult & Teen Challenge as an intern for one year and then served as a staff member for the next three years. During that time, I had the privilege of encouraging other men in their faith while helping them develop practical job skills and a servant’s heart.
Over the years, I worked on a wide variety of projects, including remodeling kitchens, rebuilding homes damaged by fire, and converting mobile medical buses. Through these experiences, I discovered a passion for electrical work and decided to pursue it as a career.
Because of my past criminal record, entering electrical school wasn’t easy. My misdemeanor convictions created obstacles that took nearly a year to overcome through the expungement process. By God’s grace, those hurdles were removed, and I enrolled in school while continuing to serve on staff at Faith Home Adult & Teen Challenge. I became an Electrical Trainee and continued working toward my future.
After completing my third year on staff and my first year of electrical school, I was hired by D.L.P. as an industrial electrician.
Today I have the privilege of working in power plants, refineries, factories, churches, and many other facilities that keep our communities running. Just as importantly, I work for a company that encourages me to continue growing in my faith and my walk with Christ.
I am currently in my fifth year with the company and nearing the completion of my electrical training. I am submitting my paperwork to the State of California and preparing to take my state licensing exam later this year.
Looking back, I can clearly see God’s hand on every step of my journey. He rescued me from addiction, restored my relationships, gave me meaningful work, and blessed me with a life far beyond anything I could have imagined.
One verse that continues to shape my life is James 1:19: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
Early in my recovery, this verse challenged my pride and reminded me that God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason. When we pray, we shouldn’t only speak—we should also listen. As we seek God’s guidance, He faithfully directs our steps.
I am deeply grateful for what God has done in my life through Faith Home Adult & Teen Challenge. My prayer is that anyone who sees themselves in my story will know there is hope. No matter how far you’ve fallen, Jesus Christ can restore your life, give you a new purpose, and lead you into a future filled with hope.
God bless.
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